Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, great for busy schedules
Full of crisp, fresh vegetables and lean protein
Bold, zesty flavor from a homemade sesame vinaigrette
Ideal for meal prep and leftovers
Can be customized to suit various diets and preferences

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
1 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 large kohlrabi, peeled and julienned
3 cups shredded napa cabbage
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup thinly sliced snow peas
¼ cup sliced toasted almonds
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, tamari, chile-garlic sauce, orange zest, and half the cilantro. Slowly whisk in the neutral oil and toasted sesame oil to make the dressing.
Add the kohlrabi, napa cabbage, chicken, carrots, and snow peas to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and the remaining cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version
Swap almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option
Add red bell pepper or cucumber for more crunch
Adjust the chile-garlic sauce to control spice level
Mix in cooked rice noodles or quinoa for a heartier meal

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Best enjoyed cold; if using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool before mixing
Keep dressing separate if making ahead to maintain texture

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store components separately and combine before serving for the best texture.

What is kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi is a crunchy, mildly sweet vegetable from the cabbage family, perfect for salads and slaws.

Is napa cabbage necessary?

No, you can use regular green cabbage or savoy cabbage as alternatives.

Can I substitute tamari?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works well if gluten is not a concern.

How do I adjust the spiciness?

Add more chile-garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks to pull cooked chicken breasts apart or shred by hand once cooled.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a convenient and flavorful option.

Are there alternatives to almonds?

Yes, try toasted sunflower seeds, chopped cashews, or leave them out entirely.

How should I toast sesame seeds?

Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.

Can I pack this salad for lunch?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

Sesame Kohlrabi and Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. With its crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and bold sesame dressing, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or just a wholesome meal at home.

Sesame Kohlrabi and Chicken Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Sesame Kohlrabi and Chicken Salad is a refreshing and crunchy salad featuring julienned kohlrabi, napa cabbage, and shredded chicken tossed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette, topped with almonds and sesame seeds for added texture.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, tamari, chile-garlic sauce, orange zest, and half the cilantro. Slowly whisk in the neutral oil and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
Add the kohlrabi, napa cabbage, shredded chicken, grated carrots, and snow peas to the bowl.
Toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
Top with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and the remaining cilantro before serving.

Notes

Use tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian.
Swap almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Add red bell pepper or cucumber for more color and crunch.
Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 60mg